Alicia Keys celebrated women and the “magic they bring to the room” as she accepted the Dr. Dre Global Impact award at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (02.02.25).
The ‘Empire State of Mind’ hitmaker was honoured with the special accolade for her work as a singer, musicia, producer, her Keep a Child Alive charity and her efforts to promote opportunities for women in music, and she gave a shout-out to the importance of diversity in the acceptance speech.
Queen Latifah presented the award and hailed Alicia as a “constant inspiration, through her voice, her talent, but most importantly through her heart.”
The 44-year-old winner said: “This is for all the ladies that know the magic that they bring to the room. DEI is not a threat, it’s a gift.
“And the more voices the more powerful the sound.
“When destructive forces try to burn us own, we rise from the ashes like a phoenix and as you’ve seen tonight, music is the universal language that connects us all.
“Let’s keep showing up with compassion, empathy…the dream of the world as it ought to be, as the great Toni Morrison said.”
Alicia was particularly pleased to be recognised as a producer.
She noted: “I always had to fight for a certain level of respect as a songwriter and composer and especially as a producer. Female producers have always powered the industry.”
Meanwhile, the Grammys have been raising funds for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and host Trevor Noah noted they have already raised at least $7 million thanks to donations from viewers watching the ceremony at home.
A QR code to donate has appeared repeatedly during the broadcast, and the comic had earlier noted it was also on the tables where the guests at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles were sitting.
The funds will be donated to the MusiCares Fire Relief fund, with the Recording Academy’s initiative having partnered with several local organisations to help the victims.